SECURITY DEVICE AND METHOD
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a safety device, and more particularly to a cord security device that provides protection against accidental or inadvertent disconnection of connected electrical cords and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In various industrial and commercial environments, it is often useful to connect in series a number of extension cords (extensions), or connect an extension cord to an electrical device. In the home or office environment, male power cord cords or plugs for equipment such as vacuum cleaners, electric mowers, drills, lights, computers, and the like, frequently connect to receptacles and / or extension cords. The friction connections between the connecting legs of the receptacle pins and blades vary greatly and usually do not hold the cords together against anything other than moderate separation pulls. Similarly, in the commercial or industrial environment, tools are commonly connected by extension cords. On construction sites, these cords are often exposed to dust, mud and moisture and
REF. 149663 may be subjected to strong separation pulls. Inadvertent partial or complete separation of a plug from the socket is not only annoying, "but can also be dangerous, particularly in industrial and commercial environments, if the combination of plug and contact is inadvertently disconnected during use, such disconnection can cause a loss of time and power outage due to the potential safety risk depending on the type of equipment Even if a partial separation occurs, a short circuit could occur causing a fire or shock Carpenters and others have frequently tried to solve this problem. separation by tying two cords together in a knot.This method is unsafe due to- one or both cords can be weakened or broken at the ends of the cord, creating an electrical hazard.Moreover, knots get stuck when moving cords around corners and other objects, the ribbon has also been used to hold the cords together. Effective, it is usually dirty because it leaves a residue of adhesive on the connectors after having removed the tape, and does not allow quick or easy disconnection. Thus, various types of fasteners have been developed to secure two cords together, such as those described in US Patent No. 6,012,940 to Wheeler, and US Patent No.
4,183,603 from Donarummo. These fasteners are usually a unitary piece of plastic that is fastened around each cord. However, such fasteners can not be used to connect a power cord to an electrical outlet in a wall, they are uncomfortable, and not very effective in preventing a partial separation. A number of clamps has also been developed to secure a cord for feeding an extension cord, such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 6,135,803 to Kovacik et al; 5,732,445 to Stodolka et al .; 5,328,384 of Magnuson and 4,957,450 of Pioszak. Relatively simple clamps are generally constructed of a plastic strip that is held together with a hook and loop or press fit material. However, such devices become useless once the hook and loop material becomes too dirty to provide a reliable bond. Relatively complex clamps are usually constructed of two parts that are secured together with a screw mechanism. While such clamps may be more reliable for some uses, they still have the disadvantage of being difficult to use if they become dirty. At construction sites, the feeding cords are frequently located on uncovered land and can become dirty with mud and debris. Even if these clamps remain clean, its union normally consumes time and requires the manipulation of several pieces, its manufacture is complicated and difficult to use. In addition, some of these fastening devices work only if they are attached to the cords during the manufacturing stage of the cord itself. Other devices must be separated from the cords if they are not in use, and therefore need to move when changing cords from one connection to another. Devices or adapters with multiple electrical contacts have also been developed in an attempt to solve the problem of inadvertent separation, such as that described in US Pat. No. 5,931,702 to Fladung. The Fladung device can only secure a power cord to an extension cord (i.e., a male connection to a female connection). Thus, if there are five female connections and one male connection, only one female connection and one male connection are ensured. Four of the five cords can still be inadvertently separated from the adapter. In addition, the device requires that the electrical cord be pulled through an opening and rolled onto a pole. This presents the same problems as when a knot is tied in the cord. Other devices have been developed to secure a plug to an electrical wall outlet, such as the one described in US Patent No.
4,457,571 to Lavine et al. The Lavine device consists of a cup-like housing that is open at the top and on one side. The open side has tabs that slidably engage in slots on the front plate of a wall outlet. However, these devices require permanent attachment to wall outlets, forcing the user to buy multiple sets. Separate parts for these devices could be lost, and if the housing is left in the receptacle while it is not in use at that time, young children may be tempted to put small toys or liquids in the housing. In addition, these devices will not work together with a power cord to extension cord connection. Accordingly, there is a need for a compact and easy-to-use aerodynamic device that can prevent inadvertent disconnection of a cord to a wall outlet, to an extension cord, to a multi-contact (energized bar) or to another connection source. Brief description of the invention The present invention relates to a cord security device. As described in greater detail below and shown in the accompanying drawings, the cord security device of the present invention utilizes mechanical means of applying a clamping force between the coupling of electrical contacts to secure conventional pins in the female end of a device mode. This clamping force can be applied by the female end by providing a force against the male leg in any number of directions. For example, in a female device designed to retain a two-legged plug, the force could be provided between the two legs and directed to the outside in such a way that each leg is secured. Similarly, a clamping force is used to secure the male legs of another embodiment of the device to a contact. The clamping force can be provided by moving the legs in any number of directions. For example, in a male device having three legs, two legs can be immobile and the third leg forced internally towards the other two legs to fix the legs in contact. The security device of the present invention can be incorporated in a variety of modalities. One embodiment is a compact adapter that can be used to secure a conventional power cord to an extension cord, wall receptacle or the like. This embodiment includes a female receptacle combined with a plug. The adapter has a housing that supports three legs, ie grounded, neutral and power legs. The neutral leg and the one receiving power include sleeves that are designed to fix a plug inserted into the adapter. This function of fixing or securing "is obtained selectively by moving the screw-type pressure contact against ramps on the side of the receiving leg that connects the legs of the pin.The screw-type pressure contact is generally a screw member that moves inside. In this mode, the screw-type pressure contact is accessible from the male side of the adapter and is moved by turning it with a screwdriver or similar The thyme-type pressure contact is pushed against the ramp on each receiving leg in such a manner The end of the receiving leg that is on the outside is held in place in such a way that the leg of the plug is put in. The male portion of the mode uses another type of pressure contact. (pressure contact sleeve type) to apply pressure against the landed leg.The landed leg has a ramp located on an edge.The pressure contact type ma nguito slidably engages the ramp when it is moved by a wheel that is threadably coupled to it. When the sleeve-type pressure contact moves the ramp, the exposed portion of the landed leg moves downward toward the protruding portion of the energy legs. and neutral. This position of the grounded plug serves to hold the wall receptacle or other receptacle in which the adapter is plugged.
In other embodiments, the female receptacle uses a sleeve-type pressure contact that is moved by turning a wheel surrounding the housing. This is especially useful for devices where it is not easy or possible to have access to the screw type pressure contact from an opposite surface from where the external plug is inserted. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention is an extension cord wherein the male portion of the invention is separated from the female portion of the invention by a cord. Another embodiment of the present invention is a multi-contact. The body of the multicontact has a row of female receptacles. Each receptacle can be secured by turning the corresponding threaded wheel to the female receptacle. If desired, the plug of the present invention is used to connect the multi-contact to a power source, and is connected to the body by means of a cord. If desired, in a particular application, the multi-contact can incorporate energy conversion or protection against variations of. voltage. The male portion of the present invention can be installed in electrical devices as original equipment during manufacture or as a replacement plug by a consumer. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention is a hand tool, such as a drill, incorporating the pin of the present invention. Another embodiment of the present invention is an application such as a vacuum incorporating the plug of the present invention. In addition, the plug or female receptacle can be sold as a kit to replace conventional plugs and receptacles. The female receptacle of the present invention that is secured by turning a wheel can also be used in conjunction with several adapters. One embodiment is an adapter that has a pin wheel and a female receptacle wheel. The plug and the female receptacle are separated by an elongate housing. Each one is secured by turning the separate wheel corresponding to it, consequently the corresponding pressure contact is caused when moving. Another modality is the multiple access adapter that has the form ¾ of T, or another form of accommodation. In this embodiment, there is a plug extending from the housing, and at least two other female receptacles extending from the housing. While the present invention is particularly useful in connecting the electric plugs together, other applications are possible and references to use with power cords and certain electrical devices should not be considered as limiting for the application of the present invention. The present invention can be advantageously adapted for use where similar performance capabilities and features are desired.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description, claims and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the security device constructed as an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the adapter shown in Figure 1, in an unsecured position; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the adapter shown in Figure 2, in a secured position; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter shown in Figure 2; . Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a top view in partial cross-section of a plug that is inserted into the adapter of Figure 2, taken generally along lines 7-7; Figure 7 is a top view in partial cross section of a plug completely inserted in the adapter of Figure 6 and secured therein; Figure 8 is an internal view of the housing of the female end of the adapter shown in Figure 2;
Figure -9 is an interior view of the housing shown in Figure 8 ', and further includes the landed, energy and neutral legs; Figure 10 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the safety device, constructed as the female receptacle of an extension cord according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the safety device, constructed as the plug of an extension cord according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the housing shown in Fig. 9; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the safety device constructed as a hand tool according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the security device constructed as an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the safety device constructed as a multi-contact according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the security device constructed as a multiple access adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of the security device constructed as an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the device. security constructed as a wall outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the safety device constructed as an extension cord according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a security device according to the present invention; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of a security device shown in Figure 21 in a non-secured position; Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of a security device shown in Fig. 21 in a secured position; Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the mode of a security device shown in Figure 21; Figure 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a security device according to the present invention;
Figure 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of a security device shown in Figure 24 in an unsecured position; Figure 26 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of a security device shown in Figure 24 in a secured position; Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of the mode of a security device shown in Figure 24; Figure 28 is a perspective view of a three-legged plug manufactured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a three-legged plug manufactured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 30 is a perspective view of a two-legged plug manufactured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 31 is a perspective view of a two-legged plug manufactured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 32 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mode of a contact in accordance with the present invention; Figure 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a contact according to the present invention; and Figure 34 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a contact in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention Figures 1 to 9 show a security device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this modality, the safety device is an adapter that can be used to secure a conventional two- or three-leg power cord to another cord, or to a wall outlet or the like. This safety device is referred to as the adapter 20 in Figures 1-9. The adapter 20 is generally constructed of a housing member 22, which supports the three legs of the adapter: "power" leg 24, "neutral" leg 26 and "landed" leg 28. These terms generally refer to the standard configuration of an electrical cord, but the invention could be used in connection with other types of connectors. The housing 22 is made of an electrically non-conductive material such as plastic. As seen in Figures 2-5, the adapter 20 has a female end 30 that receives the external or conventional legs, and a male end 32 from which the legs of the adapter 24, 26 and 28 project. Referring to Figure 1, there is a disk 34 at one end of the housing member 22. The disk 34 has a substantially circular flat face 36 with the cylindrical side walls 38 extending therefrom. Face 36 and walls 38 may have different shapes, for example, square, oval, etc. An extension 40 extends from the face 36 in the same direction as the walls 38. The extension 40 is a primary structural member of the adapter 20 that provides structural support for all interior components, such as legs 24, 26 and 28, the screw type pressure contact 42 and the sleeve type pressure contact 44. The legs 24 and 26 function to complete an electrical circuit, and are therefore made of an electrically conductive material, for example copper.
Preferably, the legs 24 and 26 are made of an elongated metal sheet that is stamped, folded and folded at its mid-point to form a leg tip 46, and an opposite sleeve 48. Of course, other methods for manufacturing can also be used. legs 24 and 26 such as by fusion. The leg tip 46 projects outwardly from the male end 32 of the adapter 20 and plugs into other electrical receptacles. Tip 46 may have an adjacent beveled edge 52 for easier insertion into a receptacle. The teeth or the like can be cut at the edge 56 of the leg along the portion of the leg 24, 26 projecting from the housing 22, possibly leaving a small engagement edge 60 located adjacent the bevel 52. The edge Toothed and / or hook helps to provide additional security force that will become more evident in it. The sleeve 48 of the leg is located inside the female end 30 for receiving the legs, and it is preferable that the sleeve 48 has the flanged ends 54 for easier leg reception. On the outside of each sleeve 48 is a ramp 62. The ramps 62 are positioned in such a way that they directly intersect each other, and cause the sleeve to be deflected if anything were between them. To provide a ramp 62 with an additional force against deformation, the side 49 having the ramp of the sleeve 48 can be wider than the side 51 that does not contain a ramp, as seen in Figure 1. The leg 28 functions as the circuit ground completed by the legs 24 and 26. Like the legs 24 and 26, the leg 28 preferably has a beveled edge 64 located at its tip 66, and a serrated edge 68 (see Figures 1 and 2). In addition, a sleeve 70 is located opposite the tip 66 for receiving a conventional landed leg. Except for these similarities, the shape of the leg 28 differs in several ways. There is a male ramp 72 that slopes upwardly from the sleeve 70 at an edge opposite the serrated edge 68. In addition, the tabs 78 extend at right angles from the end of the sleeve 70. The leg 28 is preferably formed from a symmetrical metal sheet , and is bent not at the tip 66, but rather along the edge 68. "Again, other configurations and manufacturing techniques could be used, preferably, each symmetrical side 74 is spaced apart from each other to form a channel 76 between the edges. Of course, legs 24, 26 and 28 could be formed to be configured as round legs such as those used in most countries outside the United States, or they can be provided in other leg shapes as needed. 24-28 can also be manufactured by means other than stamping / bending the metal. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, the screw type pressure contact 42 is generally a cylindrical mbro with a threaded portion 80 at one end, and a beveled edge 82 at an opposite end. A slot 84 or other configuration for receiving a tool is located opposite the beveled end. Instead of a slot 84, other configurations could be used to adjust a TORX®, Phillips, or other form of tool head. The thyme-type pressure contact 42 is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Preferably, the plastic used is generally not prone to plastic deformation as it moves between the ramps 62. The screw type pressure contact 42 is not limited to the construction of a solid piece of material, and can be constructed as a threaded cylinder that have an electrically insulated bevelled cap at one end to make contact with the ramps 62. Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the sleeve type pressure contact 44 is generally a C-shaped member of non-conductive material such as plastic. On its upper surface 86 is a quantity of flanges 88 which couple the internal threads 102 of a cylindrical wheel 100. There are also a pair of slots 90 on the upper surface for receiving the support projections 92 located in the housing 22. Between the slots 90 is a tab 91. The inner surface of the channel is generally rectangular, and defined by the inner surface 94 and the sides 96. The projection or spine 98 is located on the inner surface 94 and runs along a short length of the central axis of the sleeve-like pressure contact 44, as seen in FIGS. Figures 4 and 5. The projection 92 fits into the channel 76 as it slidably engages the leg 28. A beveled edge 93 is located on the underside of the tongue 91, also seen in Figures 4 and 5. Preferably, the Beveled edge angle 93 corresponds to the angle of the male ramp 72 and the lower edges 96 make contact with the housing surface 136. The shape of the housing extension 40 is governed only by the described components. As seen in Figures 1 and 8, the extension 40 has a cavity therein defined by the surface 110. In the most extreme part of this cavity is the face 36 in which there are three openings, 112, 114 and 116. The legs 24 and 26 extend through the openings 112 and 114, which are large enough to fit the central portion 118 of each leg 24, 26. At the other end of the extension 40, the slits 120 are located at. the opposite sides of the cavity for adjusting the flange 54 in each sleeve 48. For example, Figures 9 and 12 show the legs 24 and 26 fitted in the cavity, with the sleeves 48 supported in the slots 120. The opening 116 is located between the openings 112 and 114, and is threaded to engage the threads 80 in the screw type female pressure contact 42. Figures 6 and 9 show the screw type pressure contact 42 in a position where the ramps 62 are not engaged. Figure 7 shows a screw type pressure contact 42 engaging the ramps 62 to bias the sleeves 48 against a conventional leg 124. It is preferable to have a beveled edge 82 engage the ramp 62, so as to reduce any tension in the screw type pressure contact 42 that could cause the undesired plastic deformation. Referring again to Figures 1, 8 and 12, there is an opening 130 for the landed leg 28 which is located on the openings 112, 114 for adjusting the landed leg 28. The opening 130 is large enough to adjust the profile in section of the male portion of the leg 28 so that it does not move from side to side, and still be able to move downward toward the legs 24, 26. When the leg 28 is placed in the housing member 22, the tabs 78 they sit on an edge 132 that is cut in the rails 134. The leg body 28 is located between the rails 134, and is substantially parallel thereto. Figure 12 shows a cut away view of the assembled housing 22, the legs 24-28 and the screw type pressure contact 42. The sleeve type pressure contact 44 slidably engages the rails 134 on the adjacent surfaces 136. The slots 90 allow the sleeve type pressure contact 44 to move along the total length of the rails 134 because it is not hindered by the support projections 92 of the housing projecting from the face 36. The support projections 92 provide a structural support to the disk 34.. To complete the assembly of the adapter 20, once the legs 24-28 and the screw-type and sleeve-type pressure contacts 42, 44 are placed on the extension 40, the wheel 100 is placed on the extension 40, and a the female end cap 140 is secured thereon with a pair of fasteners 142. Preferably, the fasteners 142 extend through the openings 144 in the end cap 140 to threadably couple a pair of corresponding threaded openings 146 in the extension 40. There are three openings 148, 150 and 152 in the end cap 140 corresponding to the receiving end of the leg 26, leg 24 and leg 28, respectively. Preferably, for ease of use, the end cap 140 has a beveled edge 154 to prevent scratches, and the wheel 100 has an external surface with grooves 156 to improve the grip. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, in operation, two external legs 124 are inserted into the openings 148, 150 in the female end cap 140. If the conventional power cord 160 has a landed leg 162, it is inserted into the opening 152 in the female end cap 140. Once the legs 124 are fully inserted, a hand tool such as a screwdriver or the like is used to rotate the screw type pressure contact 42 in such a way that it moves towards the cord of the screw. feed 160. This movement causes the screw type pressure contact 42 to apply pressure on the female ramps 62, to fix the legs 124 between the sides 49 and 51 of the sleeves 48. The pressure applied by the pressure contact 42 type screw applies the clamping force between the legs 124 and 24, 26. The clamping force combined with the high coefficient of friction between the metal components prevents the power cord 160 from being pulled out Inadvertently from the adapter 20. The adapter 20 is now essentially "secured" to the power cord 160, and can now be secured to a power receptacle, i.e., on a wall, multi-contact, appliance or the like. The metal-to-metal contact on both sides combined with the mechanical advantage generated by the threaded connection and the ramp, provides a substantial pull resistance. Referring now to Figures 2-5, legs 24,
26 and 28 of the adapter are fully inserted into a power receptacle (not shown) for example a wall receptacle, extension cord or the like. Before "securing" the adapter 20 to the electrical receptacle, the legs 24, 26 and 28 are substantially parallel to each other as seen in Figures 2 and 4. For the securing effect, the user rotates the wheel 100 in a direction causing that the sleeve type pressure contact 44 moves the male ramp 72 in the leg 28. This causes the exposed portion of the leg 28 to move downward towards the legs 24, 26, making it difficult to inadvertently pull the adapter 20 from the receptacle energy to which it is connected. The optional serrated edges 56, 68 on the legs 24, 26 and 28 can increase the holding force of the secured adapter 20.
To "disconnect" the adapter 20 from a receptacle, the wheel 100 is rotated in an opposite direction to slide the sleeve-like pressure contact 44 away from the male ramp 72. The adapter can now be removed from the receptacle. To remove the power cord 160 from the adapter 20, the screw type pressure contact 42 is rotated in such a way that it moves away from the female ramps 62. An advantage of the adapter 20 is that the movement required to secure a feed cord 160 to the adapter 20, or the adapter 20 to a receptacle, intrinsically does not cause the legs of the device to be removed from the adapter 20 or the receptacle. In addition, the compact design allows the adapter 20 to be used almost anywhere where a common power cord can be used. Accordingly, it has been found advantageous to dimension the adapter 20 in such a way that two adapters can be connected simultaneously to a standard size wall socket. In an alternative embodiment, the female portion of the adapter 20 is separated from the male portion. Specifically, as seen in Figures 11, 12 and 19, a female receptacle 170 and a plug 172 can be separated by an electrical cord 194 such that the device functions as an extension cord. Preferably, the female receptacle 170 is constructed differently than its counterpart from the adapter 20 so that access to the screw-type pressure contact with a hand tool is not necessary as in the above embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the female receptacle 170 is constructed of a housing 174; sleeves 176, 178; landed connector 180; sliding member 182; wheel 184 and end cap 186. Housing 174 has a disk 188 constructed similarly to disk 34 in the embodiment shown in figure 1. The opposite side of disk 188 that can not be seen in figure 10 has five openings in the same, similar to the openings 144, 148, 150 and 152 found in the end cap 140 of the previous embodiment shown in figure 1. Two openings can be seen from the inside view of figure 11, specifically, the opening 190 and threaded aperture 192. An extension 200 extends from the inner side of the disc 188. The extension 200 serves to support the sleeves 176, 178, the landed connector 180 and the sliding member 182. Thus, the extension shape 200 is governed by these components. The extension 200 is generally a rectangular block having a pair of channels 202 located on opposite sides 204. The channels 202 adjust the sleeves 176, 178. An opening 206 extends the length of the extension 200 to fit the landed connector 180. As above, the housing 174 is composed of a non-conductive material such as plastic.
Each sleeve 176, 178 can be made of metal as described for legs 24, 26 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-9. Unlike the legs 24, 26, the sleeves 176, 178 are completely contained in the housing 174, and are wired to the electric cord 194. Specifically, an "energy" wire 208 is electrically connected to the sleeve 176 in a fold 210, and a "neutral" wire 212 is electrically connected to the sleeve 178 in the fold 214. Alternatively, the wires 208, 212 can be welded to the sleeves , or otherwise not connected to the sleeves 176, 178 in another way, for example, with screws. As with the legs 24 and 26, the sleeves 176 and 178 are preferably widened at the receiving ends 220 in order to be able to easily insert the conventional legs into the sleeves. In addition, each sleeve 176, 178 has a female ramp 222 located on the outer sides of each sleeve 176, 178. As will be described, the female ramps 222 are selectively engaged by the sliding member 182. The grounded connector 180 is preferably constructed of metal of stamped sheet, although other manufacturing processes can be used such as by melting, etc. The sides 226 are bent to conform around a conventional grounded leg, which is generally cylindrical in shape and rounded at its insertion end, but could be made to conform to any shape. At one end, a fold 228 is placed on each side 226. The landed wire 230 is electrically connected to one or both of the folds 228. Preferably, the sleeves 176, 178 are secured within the channels 202 and are retained in such a way that they do not they can move in the direction in which a pin is inserted. Likewise, the connector 180 is preferably secured -in the channel 206. The sliding member 182 slidably engages the extension 200, and when the contact 170 is not secured, the sliding member 182 does not apply pressure to the female ramps 222. The surfaces inner sides 240 can be bevelled (not shown) in the portion of the surface that contacts the female ramps 222, and the outer surface 242 of the sliding member 182 is threaded. The openings 244 extend through the length of the sliding member , and correspond to the openings 192 of the disk (only one is shown). The wheel 184 has internal threads 246, and is threaded onto the slide member 182 to cause the slide member 182 to move along the extension 200 when it is rotated. As with the wheel 100, the outer surface 248 preferably has grooves. When mounted, the rim 250 of the wheel makes contact with the rim 252 of the disc, and the end cap 186 makes contact with the rim 254 of the wheel. The wheel 184 is joined to the disk 188 by means of a pair of fasteners 256 that extend through the openings 258 in the lid. The electric cord 194 extends through the central opening 260 of the lid. The lid 186 is pressed against the surface 238 so that the wheel 184 can still be rotated. In operation, the user plugs the conventional legs into the sleeves 176, 178, and the wheel 184. The sliding member 182 then moves against the ramps. 222 for holding the conventional legs in the sleeves 176, 178 according to that described in the previous embodiment of the adapter of figure 1. The wheel 184 is rotated in the opposite direction to release the contact 170. The pin of the cord mode The extension is shown in Figure 11. This is somewhat similar in construction to the male portion of the adapter 20 shown in Figures 1-9, except that there is no screw-type pressure contact and there is no need for an extension cavity. 40 (defined by the surface 110) to adjust the screw type pressure contact 42. The other important difference is that the end cap is identical to the end cap 186 found in the female receptacle 170. Therefore, it is also referred to in Figure 11 as the end cap 186. Likewise, the components that are identical or similar to the male portion of the adapter 20 in Figure 11 are indicated by the same reference numerals.
In "the embodiment of Figure 11, the legs 24, 26 are replaced by the legs 300 and 302. The legs 300, 302 need not have the shape to receive a conventional pin since they are directly connected to the wires 208 and 212 in the folds 303. Of course, a welded connection or other type such as screws can also be used.In addition, the openings 304 and 306 replace the cavity of the adapter mode.The leg 300 is inserted into the opening 304 and the leg 302 is inserted. inserted into the opening 306. Preferably, the legs 300, 302 are connected to the housing 22 and trapped between the housing 22 and the end cap 186 such that the legs 300 and 302 can not move while plugged into another receptacle. The pin 172 is mounted in a similar manner to the embodiment of the adapter shown in Figures 1-9, except that the end cap 186 is attached to the extension 40 with the fasteners 142. The fasteners 142 extend through the fasteners 142. openings 258 in the end cap 186 and connect the extension 40 in the threaded openings 146. Figures 20-23 show a further embodiment of a pin (generally 600) in accordance with the present invention. The plug 600 includes a housing 602 that houses the upper leg 604 and the lower legs 606 and around which the wheel 608 is threaded. The cord 610 is connected to the legs within the housing 602 that can be overmoulded, as is known in the art, around the legs and the cord 610 to create a sealed plug. The housing 602 is provided with a threaded portion 612 on which the wheel 608 is screwed. The upper leg 604 is held in place within the housing 602 by means of the connecting tab 614 with a ramp 616. As revealed by comparing Fig. 21 (unsecured) with Fig. 22 (secured), when wheel 608 is rotated about threaded portion 612 of housing 602, it moves along connecting tab 614 and engages ramp 616 for causing the upper leg 604 to move towards the lower legs 606. When the upper leg 604 has moved towards the lower legs 606, the pin 600 is in a position secured in such a way that it can not be easily disconnected from a contact. Figures 24-27 show another embodiment of a plug (generally 600 - parts similar to those shown in the embodiment shown in Figures 20-24 will be referenced using the same numbering) according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the plug 600 includes a housing 602 that contains the upper leg 604 in a connecting tab 614 and the lower legs 696 in a base 618. The cord 610 is connected to the legs within the housing that can be overmoulded, as shown in FIG. known in the art, around the legs and the cord to create a sealed plug. The base 618 includes a notch 620 in which the cam 622 of the lever 624 is positioned. The cam 622 has a flat portion and a rounded portion. When the cam 622 is positioned within the groove 620 so that the flat portion thereof faces the lower surface of the connecting tab 614, the upper leg 604 is in a standard conventional configuration. As revealed by comparing Figure 25 (un-secured) with Figure 26 (secured), when the lever 624 is moved so that the flat portion of the cam 622 does not face the lower surface of the connecting tab 614 and the rounded portion of the cam 622 is forced against the lower surface of the connecting tab 614, causing the leg 604 to move away from the lower legs 606. When the upper leg 604 has moved away from the lower legs 606, the plug 600 is secured in a position such that it can not be easily disconnected from a contact. A mounted plug is seen in Figure 13. Pin 172 is not only useful for an extension cord as shown in Figure 19, but also for joining a manual clamping tool such as a hole 350 as shown in FIG. 13, or for joining an apparatus such as a vacuum 352 as shown in FIG. 14. The attachment of the pin 172 is It can be made during the manufacture of a tool or an appliance, or after manufacture. The plug (or socket) of the present invention and shown in Figures 10 and 11, can be sold as a replacement kit. The operation of the pin 172 is the same as the operation of the male portion of the adapter 20. Another embodiment of the present invention is a surge protector or multi-contact 400, shown in Fig. 15. The multi-contact 400 is similar to a conventional multi-contact except that the plug -is the pin 172 shown in the embodiment of Figure 11 and the female receptacles 402 are generally configured as the female receptacle 170 of the embodiment shown in Figure 10. The main difference in construction between the female receptacle 170 and the female receptacle 402 is that there is no end cap 186. Instead, the end cap 186 is replaced by a multi-contact body 404 which is electrically connected to the pin 172 by means of an electrical cord 406. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is the adapter 500, shown in Figure 17. The adapter 500 is generally constructed in the same manner as the modality ad of the extension cord, except that there is no cord 194 and also the end caps 186 in the female receptacle 502 or plug 504. In contrast, the receptacle 502 and the plug 504 are physically connected by a housing member 506 that can having any length or dimension as appropriate for a particular application, and electrically connected in for a short length of wire, or by three extended legs designated with the number 508 (energy, neutral and grounded) formed to conform to the length of the accommodation 506. Accommodation 506 can be formed in different ways to allow multiple access. A multiple access adapter 510 has a T-shaped housing 512, as seen in Figure 16. Of course, housing 512 can be formed in different manners to allow more or fewer female receptacles 502 or to provide access in various ways. angles The housing 506 or housing 510 may also be hinged (not shown) so that the female receptacles and the plug can be adjusted to a wide variety of angles. Another embodiment of the present invention is a wall receptacle 700, shown in Figure 18. The wall receptacle 700 is constructed of a wall plate having at least one or any number of female receptacles 702 attached thereto. The female receptacles 702 are generally constructed in a manner similar to the female receptacles 402 in the multi-contact embodiment shown in Figure 15. While several particular embodiments of the invention have been discussed in detail herein, Figures 28-34 are illustrative of the general concept of the present invention and provide a safety device for maintaining the connection of a pin in a contact using a clamping force. Figures 28-31 generally allow the concept of the present invention as embodied in a plug and Figures 32-34 generally show the concept of the present invention as embodied in a contact. It should be appreciated that the particular embodiments described herein may be adapted and used in relation to a variety of leg numbers and configurations. Figures 28 and 29 show a modality of the plug version of the safety device (identified generally with the number 375) having three legs. In Figure 28, the upper leg 377 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 378 away from the lower legs 379 moving in the direction indicated by the arrows 380 away from the upper leg 377. The movement of the legs in directions opposite sets pin 375 on a contact. As an alternative to the movement of the leg shown in figure 28, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 29, the upper leg 377 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 382 towards the lower legs 379 moving in the direction indicated by the arrows 384 towards the upper leg 377. The movement of the legs between them fix pin 375 in a contact. In the pins shown in Figures 28 and 29, it will also be possible to provide the clamping force by moving only one of the legs while keeping the other legs fixed. Figures 30 and 31 show one embodiment of the plug 375 having two legs. In Figure 30, the right leg 385 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 386 away from the left leg 387 moving in the direction indicated by the arrow 388 away from the right leg 385. The movement of the legs in directions opposite sets the pin in a contact. As an alternative to the movement of the leg shown in Figure 30, in the embodiment shown in Figure 31, the right leg 385 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 390 towards the left leg 387 moving in the direction indicated by the arrow 392 to right leg 385. Movement of the legs together fix pin 375 in a contact. In the pins shown in Figures 30 and 31, it will also be possible to provide the clamping force by moving only one of the legs while keeping the other leg fixed. Figure 32 shows a contact mode in which a two-legged plug 425 can be inserted. In this embodiment, after inserting the legs 427 of the plug 425 in the sleeves 429, a force is applied to the sleeves 429 in the directions indicated by the arrows 426 to apply a clamping pressure to the sleeves 429 around the inner member 431 Figure 33 shows a contact mode in which a pin of a leg 425 can be inserted. In this embodiment, after inserting the leg 427 in the sleeve 429, the forces are applied to the sleeve 429 in the directions indicated by the arrows 430 for applying a clamping pressure to the sleeve 429. As an alternative to the directions of the clamping force shown in Figure 33, a clamping force can be provided on one side of the sleeve 429 with the other side of the sleeve held in place. . Similar to the contact mode of Figure 32, Figure 34 shows a contact mode in which a two-leg plug 425 can be inserted. However, in this embodiment, after the legs 427 of the plug 425 are inserted into the sleeves 429, a force is applied to the sleeves 429 in the directions indicated by the arrows 428 to apply a clamping pressure to the sleeves 429 against the outer member 433. Although the invention has been shown and described herein in such a way that it is perceived that the modalities are the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. For example, the legs shown in or received by the embodiments of the present invention may be of different configurations to conform to the standards of various countries or to a specialized industrial equipment. In addition, there may be a different number of legs that is shown in the described modes. Accordingly, it is recognized that modifications to the invention can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention and therefore, it should be considered that the invention includes all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the invention. appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.